Northern Nature Trading is a special kind of swap shop! Show us items you've found in nature and trade them for things in our collection.
The goal of each Northern Nature Trading experience is to motivate people of all ages to be inspired with the science in the world around them. Trade things like rocks, shells, fossils and pine cones. Trading is based on points. We award you points for what you know about your item, what makes it different, and the quality of it. The more you learn about your item, the more points you collect! Save your points in the database to save up and trade for a very special piece at a later date.
Nature needs bird's nests, dead animals, and living plants. Please leave them behind. Take only one of each of the different things you find. You only need a few to make a good collection. Take only things that are common and not protected by law. Other restrictions apply. Visit to learn more about items you can trade.
For more information contact the Mary JL Black Library or email nnt@tbpl.ca, opens a new window
Hours of Operation at Mary J L Black Library:
*please note that NNT hours are subject to change*
- Wednesdays 5 - 7pm
- Thursdays 2 - 4pm
- Saturdays 10am - 12pm
Earn 300 points three times a year:
- April - Show us your Library card to celebrate Earth Day
- September - Update your NNT trader details
- October - Show us your Library card as we celebrate Canadian Library Month
Virtual Trading
Earning points and 'trading' is possible even if you cannot visit the space at the Mary J L Black Library.
It's free to sign up! Connect with library staff by email at nnt@tbpl.ca, opens a new window to become a trader! Your trader profile includes your name, birthday, address and contact information.
Start 'trading'. Share a photo of your nature find along with information about the item to earn points. Northern Nature Trading categories include Animals, Fossils, Insects, Plants, Rocks and Minerals, and Shells. Provide information about the item or animal in the photo: what is it?, where did you see it?. Include facts and information to earn more points.
Did you attend a Library program and receive a NNT coupon? Get those points added to your trader account by emailing the name of the program.
